DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. (PLCE) named Michael Giannelli, a former designer for Gap Inc.'s (GPS) kids, baby and body brands, as head designer for the seller of children's apparel.

The company said Giannelli, 44 years old, has 20 years of design experience. He spent 18 years with Gap, culminating with his appointment as vice president of Gap Body. For 12 years, he designed children's apparel and non-apparel for Gap Kids and Baby Gap. Most recently, Giannelli was a designer for AnnTaylor Stores Corp.'s (ANN) more casual Loft stores.

President and Chief Executive Jane Elfers said the hiring was very strategic for Children's Place, saying strengthening the retailer's merchandise is the company's "number one key initiative."

Giannelli will report to Natalie Levy, executive vice president of merchandising and design.

Last week, Children's Place reported its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings declined 5.8%, but beat its earlier estimate with the help of better margins and lower expenses. The company has experienced improving sales recently, but last year took a hit thanks to a poor performance of its back-to-school line and unseasonably warm temperatures.

Shares were down 0.4% to $47.16 in recent trading amid a broad market downturn. The stock is down 5% this year.

-By John Kell, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2480; john.kell@dowjones.com